Ellington

Community Meetings

Monday, Dec. 30

6 p.m.-7:30 p.m., New Foundation Toastmasters Club #702994 Meetings at Mississippi e-Center at Jackson State University (1230 Raymond Road). In the Nebraska Room. Practice impromptu speaking, active listening, evaluation and leadership skills. Call for information on membership dues; call 601-502-8402 or 601-896-4400; email [email protected]; find "NewFoundation Linda Hartwell" on Facebook.

Tuesday, Dec. 31

10 a.m., Jackson City Council Meeting at Jackson City Hall (219 S. President St.). Open to the public. Free; call 601-960-1064; jacksonms.gov.

noon-1 p.m., "Guess Who's Talking Now" Toastmasters Club 3284 at Woolfolk Building (501 N. West St.). The group meets from noon-1 p.m. Tuesdays in the conference room on the first floor. Improve your communication skills, and become a better speaker and leader. Membership required. Free to visitors; call 601-359-6653 or 601-359-2573.

5:15 p.m., Public Policy Toastmasters Club 8689 at Universities Center (3825 Ridgewood Road). The group meets on first and third Tuesdays at 5:15 p.m. in the computer lab. Improve your communication skills, and become a better speaker and leader. Membership required. Call for details on membership dues; call 601-540-8472 or 601-432-6277.

Wednesday, Jan. 1

6 p.m.-7 p.m., Downtown Jackson Toastmasters at Plaza Building (120 N. Congress St.). Learn to communicate better in front of groups and with peers. Meetings are Wednesdays from 6-7 p.m. on the 12th floor in the Common Room. Call for membership information. Free; call 601-940-5247; email [email protected]; http://1275010.toastmastersclubs.org/.

Thursday, Jan. 2

6 p.m., Precinct 1 COPS Meeting at Jackson Police Department, Precinct 1 (810 Cooper Road). These monthly forums are designed to help resolve community issues or problems, from crime to potholes. Free; call 601-960-0001.

6 p.m.-7 p.m., Capital City Toastmasters Club #1684 at Reformed Theological Seminary Library (5341 Clinton Blvd.). Join to improve your public speaking and leadership skills. New members welcome. Free; call 601-942-2154; 1684.toastmastersclubs.org.

6:30 p.m.-8 p.m., Practicum for Psychic Phenomena at Unitarian Universalist Church of Jackson (4866 N. State St.). Spiritual intuitive Duann Kier is the facilitator. Learn how to develop your psychic ability. Includes presentations, discussions, personal practice, group experiences and focused meditations. For ages 18 and up. $5; call 982-5919; email [email protected]; duannkier.com.

Saturday, Jan. 4

10 a.m.-8 p.m., CUUPS Jackson Weekly Workshops at Unitarian Universalist Church of Jackson (4866 N. State St.). In the Religious Education Building. Enjoy a day of socializing, support, free workshops and a drum circle. Schedule available online. Free; call 982-5919; email [email protected]; cuupsjackson.org.

4 p.m.-5:30 p.m., Sick and Tired, and Seeking at Afrikan Arts and Culture Studio (612 N. Farish St.). Our Community Against Racism hosts the forum on second Saturdays. The focus of the monthly forum is to provide African-centered cultural enrichment and work toward racial equality. Refreshments served. Free; call 601-979-1413 or 601-918-5075.

Community Events

Tuesday, Dec. 31

noon-4 p.m., Kwanzaa Celebration of Kuumba (Creativity) at Gallery1 (One University Place, 1100 John R. Lynch St., Suite 4). Gallery1 in partnership with Women for Progress hosts the third annual event that includes hands-on activities, music and African food. Free; call 601-960-9250.

6 p.m. and 9 p.m., New Year's Eve Dinner at BRAVO! Italian Restaurant & Bar (Highland Village, 4500 Interstate 55 N.). Enjoy a six-course dinner, music and wine flights. Seating at 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. Reservations required; space limited.. Early seating: $70 per person; late seating: $90 per person (includes Champagne, indoor fireworks and party favors at midnight); call 601-982-8111; email [email protected]; bravobuzz.com.

7 p.m., "Santa Clause Is Watching You" at Kismet's Restaurant and Catering (315 Crossgates Blvd., Brandon). The Detectives presents the four-act interactive "whodunnit" comedy about a wedding reception for Santa's new and much younger golddigging wife. Includes dinner. Seating at 6:30 p.m. Details pending. RSVP. $39; call 601-937-1752; thedetectives.biz.

7 p.m., The Big Bang New Year's Eve Mega Event at Martini Room (Regency Hotel, 400 Greymont Ave.). The party includes music from Nostalgia, DJ Rozz, Malignate, Fl3x, Insomniac, Orin, Jo3l, DJ Dubz, Samalama and more. Includes a balloon drop at midnight. Must be 18 to enter and 21 to drink. $18 ages 18 and up (includes CD), $150 VIP (includes four tickets and booth seating, must be 21); call 969-2141; follow Enough Said Events Mississippi on Facebook.

7 p.m.-1 a.m., New Year's Eve Dinner at Nick's Restaurant (3000 Old Canton Road). Reserve your seat for the signature four-course meal. $75 plus tax and tip; call 601-981-8017; nicksrestaurant.com.

9 p.m.-1 a.m., New Year's Eve Gala at King Edward Hotel (235 W. Capitol St.). Includes food, a Champagne toast and music from Tiger Rogers, Akami Graham, Pam Confer, Keeshea Pratt, Dexter Allen and many more. Proceeds go toward educational scholarship efforts of 100 Black Men and the Hinds County Sheriff's Office Reserve Unit. $50, $85 couples; call 601-940-3361.

9 p.m.-2 a.m., Blastin' the Blues New Year's Eve Party at Duling Hall (622 Duling Ave.). Enjoy music from Grady Champion, the Southern Komfort Brass Band and Eddie Cotton, heavy hors d'oeuvres and a Champagne toast at midnight. All-ages event; adults must accompany children. $35 in advance; call 601-292-7999; ardenland.net.

10 p.m., New Year's Eve Yoga Practice at Tara Yoga Studio (Energy in Motion, 200 Park Circle, Suite 4, Flowood). Participate in the fourth annual holiday yoga and meditation class. Registration required. $40 Through Dec. 16, $50 after; call 601-720-2337; email [email protected]; tara-yoga.net.

Saturday, Jan. 4

9 a.m.-4 p.m., Roc Day 2014 at Mississippi Craft Center (950 Rice Road, Ridgeland). Hand spinners, knitters and weavers gather to make fiber art. Vendors offer yarns, fiber and equipment. Includes door prizes and a show-and-tell area. Register by Dec. 1. Lunch included. $25; call 601-856-7546; email [email protected]; rocday2014.com.

9 a.m.-6 p.m., BankPlus Racing Vehicle Extravaganza at Mississippi Trade Mart (1200 Mississippi St.). See more than 150 racing, custom and performance vehicles, and meet NHRA Pro Stock drivers Erica Enders-Stevens and Richie Stevens Jan. 4 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Also meet IHRA World Stock Class Champion Wes Neely, Dora the Explorer and Scooby-Doo. $12 ($4 discount at O'Reilly's locations), $5 ages 6-12 (free kids' tickets available at BankPlus locations), free for children under 6; call 601-832-3020; email [email protected]; mrve.webs.com.

2 p.m.-8 p.m., Modace Boutique's Sip and Shop Grand Opening at Modace Boutique (5846 Ridgewood Road, Suite 201A) . Celebrate the grand opening of the new eBay boutique. Free; call 601-345-1704; email [email protected].

Sunday, Jan. 5

9 a.m.-6 p.m., BankPlus Racing Vehicle Extravaganza at Mississippi Trade Mart (1200 Mississippi St.). See more than 150 racing, custom and performance vehicles, and meet NHRA Pro Stock drivers Erica Enders-Stevens and Richie Stevens Jan. 4 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Also meet IHRA World Stock Class Champion Wes Neely, Dora the Explorer and Scooby-Doo. $12 ($4 discount at O'Reilly's locations), $5 ages 6-12 (free kids' tickets available at BankPlus locations), free for children under 6; call 601-832-3020; email [email protected]; mrve.webs.com.

noon-5 p.m., Shine Bright Like a Diamond Bridal Show at Ice House Alley Warehouses (251 W. South St.). Tour the historic building turned into a wedding and event venue, and get information on invitations, makeup, catering, photography and more. No strollers allowed. Limousine service available from selected locations. $15; call 953-3114; email [email protected]; icehousealleywarehouses.com.

1 p.m.-6 p.m., Youth Empowerment Fun Day at Fondren Hall (4330 N. State St.). The event for youth includes free haircuts hairstyles for ages 4-15 from 2-4 p.m., games, fitness activities and motivational speakers. Free; call 601-566-3469; email [email protected].

3 p.m., Ultimate Frisbee Pickup Game at Chastain Middle School (4650 Manhattan Road). The sport is played with teams of seven who score by catching and throwing a disc toward an end zone. Free; call 987-3550; mississippiultimate.blogspot.com.

Ongoing

Fight Against Hunger at BRAVO!, Broad Street Bakery and Sal & Mookie's. Dine at participating restaurants and add a donation to Extra Table to your receipt. Donations welcome; extratable.org.

Youth Ambassadors Program at Mary C. O'Keefe Cultural Center for Arts and Education (1600 Government St., Ocean Springs). The arts program for children includes free membership and special programs at a reduced cost. Free; call 228-818-2878; email [email protected]; themaryc.org.

Senior Aides Program. The city of Jackson offers the part-time job program to low-income seniors ages 55 and up. Receive assistance in finding a job during the training process. Applicants must have state ID, a Social Security card, proof of income and a utility bill. Free; call 601-960-0335.

Computer Courses for Adults at Hinds Community College, Raymond Campus (501 E. Main St., P.O. Box 1100, Raymond). Classes usually meet once a week for four to eight weeks, and fees depend on the level and type of class. Free; call 601-857-3773; email [email protected].

Through Dec. 31, Wonderland of Lights at Freedom Ridge Park (235 W. School St., Ridgeland). Drive Through to enjoy a display of holiday lights and decorations. Free; call 800-468-6078; visitridgeland.com.

Through Dec. 31, Holiday Tree Design Showcase at Mississippi Children's Museum (2145 Highland Drive). See trees decorated by local schools in the galleries. $8, children 12 months and under free; call 601-981-5469; mschildrensmuseum.com.

Through Dec. 31, Tues.-Sat., Years of Yuletide: Christmas in Jackson at Old Capitol Museum (100 S. State St.). The exhibit highlights various Jackson Christmas traditions with selected artifacts and photos. Free; call 601-576-6800; oldcapitolmuseum.com.

Through Dec. 31, Go Red Multicultural Scholarship Fund. American Heart Association's Go Red For Women and Macy's offer scholarships to multicultural women interested in healthcare careers. 16 women will receive a $2,500 scholarship. Apply by Dec. 31. Free; goredforwomen.org/scholarship.

Through Jan. 1, 6 p.m.-9 p.m., Community Kwanzaa Celebration at Medgar Evers Community Center (3759 Edwards Ave.). The nightly event includes guest speakers, performers and refreshments. Free; call 601-608-8327, 601-960-1741 or 601-918-5750.

Through Jan. 4, Tues.-Sat., Thief at the Crossroads: The Blues as Black Technology at Gallery1 (One University Place, 1100 John R. Lynch St., Suite 4). See John Jennings' comic art that showcases African-American expressions. Jennings is a Mississippi native currently living and working in Buffalo, N.Y. Blues reception Oct. 11 from 6-8 p.m.,Free; call 601-960-9250; jsums.edu/gallery1.

Through Jan. 5, Mon.-Sat., 1-9 p.m., Christmas on Ice at Baptist Health Systems, Madison Campus (401 Baptist Drive, Madison). Enjoy an ice skating rink and ice slide, a Christmas Story Trail, decorations, concessions and concerts. $15 skating and ice slide (rental skates included), concerts and Christmas Story Trail free; call 601-500-5970; christmasonice.com.

Through April 30, Mon.-Fri., 2:30 p.m.-6 p.m., Common Core After Hours Learning and Readiness Program at PERICO Institute (Jackson Medical Mall, 350 W. Woodrow Ave., Suite 300). The weekly program for children in grades K-12 includes English and language arts, math, science, and music and art appreciation. Registration required. Light snack included. $50 per week; call 769-251-1408; priydems.com.

Through July 31, Mon.-Sat., 8 a.m.-8 p.m., Private Tutoring. In-person and virtual tutoring available for students in grades K-12 in math, science and literacy. Registration required. $15-$50; je411.webs.com.